Break it Down was founded by the wife and husband duo, Melanie MacFarlane and Jeff Paine, in the summer of 2009. What began as a recognition that there were no composting services available for local businesses has grown to include social dimensions, educational programs, and a fully-established composting and recycling program. We are excited by all the possibilities for composting in 2010, and we look forward to continuing a dialogue about the future of Austin’s waste management and urban agricultural systems.

Jeff Paine is completing an MS in Chemical Engineering at UT-Austin. He continues to connect his work more and more directly with sustainability issues at a local level, both to address environmental concerns and, increasingly, social issues.

Melanie MacFarlane is a graduate student in Social Work at UT-Austin. She is particularly interested in non-profit leadership and environmental and social justice issues.